Pride Month is the perfect time to celebrate and uplift LGBTQ-owned businesses. These entrepreneurs operate in every industry, and an estimated 1.4 million LGBTQ business owners contribute about $1.7 trillion to the U.S. economy each year. Community support and visibility can make a real difference, especially as interest in finding LGBTQ-owned businesses is surging (Yelp saw searches for “LGBT+ owned businesses” jump 150% in one year). Here are several encouraging, actionable ways to support LGBTQ-owned businesses this Pride Month and beyond:
Seek Out LGBTQ-Owned Businesses
Thanks to modern tools, it’s easier than ever to find LGBTQ-owned shops and services. Major platforms like Yelp and Google Maps now let business owners self-identify as LGBTQ-owned, and customers can filter search results to discover them. Beyond general searches, explore directories created by the community.
Websites like Everywhere is Queer feature a public map of queer-owned spaces worldwide, and marketplaces such as Pink Robin Shop spotlight products from LGBTQ-owned brands. Directories like Intentionalist and Karmalize are fantastic resources to discover LGBTQ-owned businesses with easy to use map-based functionality. B Lab has a directory for brands that make a positive impact for their communities, and you can filter for LGBTQ-owned B Corps.
You can also check your local LGBTQ chamber of commerce for member listings – for example, the NGLCC New York chapter provides a directory of certified LGBTQ-owned and allied businesses. With a bit of research, you’ll uncover plenty of businesses to support.
Spend at LGBTQ-Owned Businesses
One of the most direct ways to help is to become a customer. Put your purchasing power behind LGBTQ entrepreneurs by shopping at their stores and dining at their establishments. Whether you’re buying everyday necessities or Pride-themed merchandise, choosing LGBTQ-owned businesses ensures your money goes back into the community. Because these enterprises span virtually every sector – “if you can buy it, an LGBT-owned business can supply it” – you can likely find a queer-owned option for most goods or services.
Likewise, if you need a professional service, consider an LGBTQ-owned provider. Whether it’s a caterer for an event or a contractor for your home, intentionally choosing a queer-owned business for the job is a powerful show of support. And if you don’t live near many queer-run storefronts, no problem: many such companies offer online shopping or ship nationally, so you can support them from anywhere.
Spread the Word and Amplify
Supporting LGBTQ-owned businesses isn’t just about spending money – it’s also about boosting their visibility. Follow your favorite queer-owned brands on social media and share their posts with your network, and spread the word offline by recommending their services to friends and family. Also, consider leaving positive reviews on platforms like Google or Yelp after a great experience; high ratings and testimonials can help others discover these businesses. By being an active advocate, you help LGBTQ entrepreneurs reach a wider audience.
Donate, Invest, and Give Back
You can further support the community by investing in LGBTQ entrepreneurs’ success. Donate to crowdfunding campaigns or contribute to small-business grant programs that help queer-owned enterprises grow. Even a modest contribution can provide a vital boost to a fledgling venture. Any form of giving – whether financial or offering your expertise – strengthens the network of queer businesses and helps them flourish.
Remember: while Pride Month is a wonderful time to start supporting LGBTQ-owned businesses, true allyship continues year-round. Keep buying from, recommending, and championing these businesses in every season. By using your wallet and your voice to uplift LGBTQ entrepreneurs, you’ll help build a more inclusive economy and ensure queer-owned businesses continue to thrive long after June is over.
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